Silas Brown
Freshman Member
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I am struggling with a 1979 MGB that has not been driven for at least 8 years. I replaced the ignition switch due to a wiring fire within 3 minutes of buying the car! I also replaced a wire that had melted its way across the width of the wiring loom. After doing that, everything except the gas gauge seemed to work as it should. After a few hours of short runs and city driving, it refused to start. In an effort to eliminate causes of the problem, I checked the connections to all of the wiring connections under the driver's side of the dash. Nothing changed. While i was seated in the driver's seat, my 35 year old son began wiggling wires on the right, inner fender. Something changed! I tracked down a loose connection on the Ignition Relay and replaced the connection. Now, the gas gauge even works.
With this small success, came a big puzzle! The car starts as it should. The "Ignition" light (and "Brake" light, if brake is set) both come on when the key is turned on. They both go out once the engine starts. Things seem great until I turn the key to the off position. In the "OFF" position, the engine stops as expected but the "Ignition" light AND THE FUEL PUMP continue to operate! They will stop if I pull either the black or double with lead from the Ignition Relay. Does this indicate the relay is stuck or does this indicate that power is getting into the circuit from some place it should not?
Looking forward to your help!
Silas
With this small success, came a big puzzle! The car starts as it should. The "Ignition" light (and "Brake" light, if brake is set) both come on when the key is turned on. They both go out once the engine starts. Things seem great until I turn the key to the off position. In the "OFF" position, the engine stops as expected but the "Ignition" light AND THE FUEL PUMP continue to operate! They will stop if I pull either the black or double with lead from the Ignition Relay. Does this indicate the relay is stuck or does this indicate that power is getting into the circuit from some place it should not?
Looking forward to your help!
Silas
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